IT IS almost time for Romsey to shine bright once again.

A lantern parade marks the start of late-night shopping in the town on Friday, with 350 lanterns expected to light up the streets.

Starting at 5.40pm, the parade will begin in The Archway by the United Reformed Church moving through Bell Street and The Hundred back to Market Place before heading up Church Street to Romsey Abbey for carol singing.

It will be led by dignitaries including Romsey Mayor Ian Richards and Test Valley Mayor Janet Whiteley.

The lanterns have been made over the past few months at school and community workshops and include several seasonal designs, some of them unique to their creators like Mountbatten and Wellow schools, Mottisfont Arts and Crafts Groups and Allsorts Youth Group.

They are funded by both Test Valley and the county councils, local councillors’ grants, the town centre manager and local business sponsorship.

Test Valley Brass and Romsey Community Choir will also be on hand to provide entertainment while Bradbeers is hosting a Santa’s Grotto.

The parade organising committee has also thanked Romsey Chamber of Commerce for its help staging the event.